form10k.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K

x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011
 
OR
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ___ to ___
 
Commission file number 0-15451

 
PHOTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Connecticut   06-0854886
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
 
15 Secor Road, Brookfield, Connecticut 06804
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
 
(203) 775-9000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share - NASDAQ Global Select Market
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer x Non-Accelerated Filer o Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x

As of May 1, 2011, which was the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the shares of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $494,018,059 (based upon the closing price of $8.73 per share as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date).

As of December 31, 2011, 60,194,533 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
     
Proxy Statement for the 2012
   
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
 
Incorporated into Part III
to be held in March 2012
 
of this Form 10-K
 


 
 

 
 
Forward-Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Photronics, Inc. ("Photronics" or the "Company"). These statements are based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "projects", and similar expressions, or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. In particular, any statement contained in this annual report on Form 10-K, in press releases, written statements, or other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or in the Company's communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, phone calls, or conference calls, regarding the consummation and benefits of future acquisitions, expectations with respect to future sales, financial performance, operating efficiencies, or product expansion, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. These factors may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that might affect such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, overall economic and business conditions; economic and political conditions in international markets; the demand for the Company's products; competitive factors in the industries and geographic markets in which the Company competes; changes in federal, state and international tax requirements (including tax rate changes, new tax laws and revised tax law interpretations); interest rate fluctuations and other capital market conditions, including changes in the market price of the Company's common stock; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; changes in technology; the timing, impact, and other uncertainties of future acquisitions; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the semiconductor and flat panel display industries; management changes; damage or destruction to the Company's facilities or the facilities of its customers or suppliers by natural disasters, labor strikes, political unrest, or terrorist activity; the ability of the Company to (i) place new equipment in service on a timely basis; (ii) obtain additional financing; (iii) achieve anticipated synergies and other cost savings in connection with acquisitions and productivity programs; (iv) fully utilize its tools; (v) achieve desired yields, pricing, product mix, and market acceptance of its products and (vi) obtain necessary export licenses. Any forward-looking statements should be considered in light of these factors. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company's expectations will be realized. The Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements and does not assume an obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

 
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PART I

ITEM 1.BUSINESS

General

Photronics, Inc. is a Connecticut corporation, organized in 1969. Its principal executive offices are located at 15 Secor Road, Brookfield, Connecticut 06804, telephone (203) 775-9000. Photronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as "Photronics" or the "Company". The Company's website is located at http://www.photronics.com. The Company makes available, free of charge through its website, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information contained or incorporated in the Company's website is not part of these documents.

Photronics is one of the world's leading manufacturers of photomasks, which are high precision photographic quartz plates containing microscopic images of electronic circuits. Photomasks are a key element in the manufacture of semiconductors and flat panel displays ("FPDs"), and are used as masters to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers and flat panel substrates during the fabrication of integrated circuits ("ICs") and a variety of FPDs and, to a lesser extent, other types of electrical and optical components. The Company currently operates principally from eight manufacturing facilities; two of which are located in Europe, two in Taiwan, one in Korea and three in the United States. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012 the Company ceased the manufacturing of photomasks at its Singapore facility.

Manufacturing Technology

The Company manufactures photomasks, which are used as masters to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers and flat panel substrates. The photomasks are manufactured in accordance with circuit designs provided on a confidential basis by the Company's customers. IC and FPD photomask sets are manufactured in layers, each having a distinct pattern which is etched onto a different photomask. The resulting series of photomasks is then used to image the circuit patterns onto each successive layer of a semiconductor wafer or flat panel substrate. The typical manufacturing process for a photomask involves the receipt and conversion of circuit design data to manufacturing pattern data. A lithography system then exposes the circuit pattern onto the photomask blank. The exposed areas are developed and etched to produce that pattern on the photomask. The photomask is then inspected for defects and conformity to the customer's design data. After any defects are repaired, the photomask is cleaned using a proprietary process, any required pellicles (protective translucent cellulose membranes) are applied and, after final inspection, the photomask is shipped to the customer.

The Company currently supports customers across the full spectrum of IC production and FPD technologies by manufacturing photomasks using electron beam or optical (laser-based) technologies. Electron beam and laser-based systems are the predominant technologies used for photomask manufacturing. These technologies are capable of producing the finer line resolution, tighter overlay and larger die size for the larger and more complex circuits currently being designed. Electron beam and laser generated photomasks can be used with the most advanced processing techniques to produce the most advanced semiconductors and FPDs for use in an array of products. However, in the case of IC production, electron beam technologies fabricate the large majority of critical layer photomasks. End markets served with IC photomasks include devices used for microprocessors, memory, telecommunications and related applications. The Company currently owns a number of high-end and mature electron beam and laser-based systems. Photomasks produced using laser-based systems are less expensive and less precise than those manufactured on high-end electron beam systems.

The first several layers of photomasks are sometimes required to be delivered by the Company within 24 hours from the time it receives customers' design data. The ability to manufacture high quality photomasks within short time periods is dependent upon robust processes, geographic proximity to customers, efficient manufacturing methods, high production yield and high equipment reliability. The Company works to meet these requirements by making significant investments in research and development, manufacturing, and data processing systems, and by utilizing statistical process control methods to optimize the manufacturing process and reduce cycle times.
 
 
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Quality control is an integral part of the photomask manufacturing process. Photomasks are manufactured in temperature, humidity, and particulate controlled clean rooms because of the high level of precision, quality and manufacturing yield required. Each photomask is inspected several times during the manufacturing process to ensure compliance with customer specifications. The Company continues to make substantial investments in equipment to inspect and repair photomasks to ensure that customer specifications are met.

The majority of IC photomasks produced for the semiconductor industry employ geometries of 65 nanometers or larger. At these geometries, the Company can produce full lines of photomasks and there is no significant technology employed by the Company's competitors that is not also available to the Company. The Company is also capable of producing full lines of photomasks for high-end IC and FPD applications. In the case of ICs, this includes photomasks at and below the 45 nanometer technology node and, for FPDs, at and above the Generation 8 technology node and active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screens. The Company has access to technology and customer qualified manufacturing capability that allows it to compete in high-end markets, serving both IC and FPD applications.

Sales and Marketing

The market for photomasks primarily consists of domestic and international semiconductor and FPD manufacturers and designers, including a limited number of manufacturers who have the capability to internally manufacture photomasks. Photomasks are manufactured by independent merchant manufacturers like Photronics, and by semiconductor and FPD manufacturers that produce photomasks exclusively for their own use (captive manufacturers). Since the mid-1980s, there has been a strong trend in Asia, Europe and North America towards the divesture or closing of captive photomask operations by semiconductor manufacturers and an increase in the share of the market served by independent manufacturers. This trend has been driven by the increased complexity and cost of capital equipment used in manufacturing photomasks.

Generally, the Company and each of its customers engage in a qualification and correlation process before the Company becomes an approved supplier. Thereafter, the Company typically negotiates pricing parameters for a customer's orders based on the customer's specifications. Some prices may remain in effect for an extended period of time. In some instances, the Company enters into sales arrangements with an understanding that, as long as the Company's performance is competitive, the Company will receive a specified percentage of that customer's photomask requirements.

The Company conducts its sales and marketing activities primarily through a staff of full-time sales personnel and customer service representatives who work closely with the Company's management and technical personnel. In addition to the sales personnel at the Company's manufacturing facilities, the Company has sales offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

The Company supports international customers through both its domestic and international facilities. The Company considers its presence in international markets to be an important factor in attracting new customers, providing global solutions to its customers, minimizing delivery time, and serving customers that utilize manufacturing foundries outside of the United States, principally in Asia. See Note 17 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for the amount of net sales and long-lived assets attributable to each of the Company's geographic areas of operations.

Customers

The Company primarily sells its products to leading semiconductor and FPD manufacturers. The Company's largest customers (listed alphabetically) during the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011 ("fiscal 2011") included the following:

ASML Holding N.V.
 
LG Electronics, Inc.
AU Optronics Corp.
 
Magnachip Semiconductor
Dongbu HiTek Co. Ltd.
 
Nanya Technology Corporation
Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
 
Novatek Microelectronics Corp., Ltd.
Global Foundries, Inc.
 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
HannStar Display Corp.
 
ST Microelectronics, Inc.
Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.
 
Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Co. Pte. Ltd.
IM Flash Technologies, LLC
 
Texas Instruments Incorporated
Inotera Memories, Inc.
 
TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.
Jenoptik AG
 
United Microelectronics Corp.
 
 
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During fiscal 2011, the Company sold its products and services to approximately 600 customers. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. accounted for approximately 20% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 2011 and 19% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 2010 and 2009. This included sales of both IC and FPD photomasks. The Company's five largest customers, in the aggregate, accounted for approximately 45%, 39% and 42% of net sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. A significant decrease in the amount of sales to any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the financial performance and business prospects of the Company.

Seasonality

The Company's quarterly revenues can be affected by the seasonal purchasing of its customers. The Company is typically impacted during its first quarter by the North American and European holiday periods, as some customers reduce their effective workdays and orders during this period. Additionally, the Company can be impacted during its first or second fiscal quarter by the Asian New Year holiday period, which also may reduce customer orders.

Research and Development

The Company conducts its primary research and development activities for IC photomasks at its MP Mask Technology Center, LLC ("MP Mask"), a joint venture with Micron Technology, Inc. (“Micron”) located in Boise, Idaho, at PK, Ltd. (“PKL”), its subsidiary in Korea, and at Photronics Semiconductor Mask Corporation (“PSMC”), one of its subsidiaries in Taiwan, and for FPD photomasks at PKL, and in site-specific research and development programs to support strategic customers. These research and development programs and activities are designed to advance the Company's leadership in technology and manufacturing efficiency. The Company also conducts application oriented research and development activities to support the early adoption of new photomask or supporting data and services technology into the customers' applications. Currently, research and development photomask activities for ICs are focused on 32 nanometer node and below, and for FPDs on Generation 8 and higher and AMOLED technology. The Company believes these core competencies will continue to be a critical part of semiconductor and FPD manufacturing, as optical lithography continues to scale device capabilities at and below 45 nanometer and at and above Generation 8. The Company has incurred research and development expenses of $ 15.5 million, $14.9 million and $15.4 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company believes that it owns, controls, or licenses valuable proprietary information that is necessary for its business as it is presently conducted. This includes trade secrets as well as patents. The Company believes that its intellectual property and trade secret know-how will continue to be important to its technical leadership in the field of photomasks.

Patents and Trademarks

The Company has ownership interests in over 40 issued U.S. Patents, and over 40 registered patents in other parts of the world. The subject matter of these patents, which are registered in various countries, generally relates to the manufacture of IC photomasks or the use of photomasks to manufacture other products. The expiration dates of these patents range from 2011 to 2028. Additionally, pursuant to a technology license agreement with Micron, the Company has access to certain technology of Micron and MP Mask. The Company also has a number of trademarks and trademark registrations in the United States and in other countries.

While the Company believes that its intellectual property is, and will continue to be, important to the Company's technical leadership in the field of photomasks, the Company's operations are not dependent on any one individual patent. The Company protects its intellectual property rights regarding products and manufacturing processes by utilizing patents. The Company also relies on non-disclosure agreements with employees, customers and vendors to protect its intellectual property and proprietary processes.

 
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Materials, Supplies and Equipment

Raw materials used by the Company generally include high precision quartz plates (including large area plates), which are used as photomask blanks, primarily obtained from Japanese and Korean suppliers; pellicles and electronic grade chemicals, which are used in the manufacturing process; and compacts, which are durable plastic containers in which photomasks are shipped. These materials are generally sourced from several suppliers. Although the Company is not dependent on any one supplier for most of its raw materials, glass blanks used for the production of certain high-end photomasks are only available from one supplier. The Company believes that its utilization of a select group of strategic suppliers enables it to access the most technologically advanced materials available. On an ongoing basis, the Company continues to consider additional supply sources.

The Company relies on a limited number of equipment suppliers to develop and supply the equipment used in the photomask manufacturing process. Although the Company has been able to obtain equipment on a timely basis, an inability to obtain equipment when required could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.
The 2011 earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan did not have a significant impact on the Company’s ability to obtain raw materials or capital equipment.
 
Backlog

The first several layers of a set of photomasks for a circuit pattern are often required to be shipped within 24 hours of receiving a customer's designs. Because of the short period between order and shipment dates (typically from 1 day to 2 weeks) for a significant amount of the Company's sales, the dollar amount of current backlog is not considered to be a reliable indicator of future sales volume.

International Operations

International sales were approximately 69%, 71% and 72% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company believes that its ability to serve international markets requires it to have, among other things, a local presence in the markets that it serves. This requires a significant investment in financial, managerial, operational, and other resources.

Operations outside of the United States are subject to inherent risks, including fluctuations in exchange rates, political and economic conditions in various countries, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs and other trade barriers, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, longer accounts receivable collection cycles and potentially adverse tax consequences. These factors may have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to generate sales outside of the United States and to deploy resources where they could otherwise be used to their greatest advantage and, consequently, may adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations. Note 17 of the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements reports net sales and long-lived assets by geographic region.

Competition

The photomask industry is highly competitive and most of the Company's customers utilize multiple photomask suppliers. The Company's ability to compete depends primarily upon the consistency of its products’ quality, timeliness of delivery, as well as pricing, technical capability and service, which the Company believes are the principal factors considered by customers in selecting their photomask suppliers. The Company also believes that proximity to customers is an important factor in certain markets where cycle time from order to delivery is critical. A few competitors have greater financial, technical, sales, marketing and other resources than the Company. An inability to meet these requirements could adversely affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The Company believes that it is able to compete effectively because of its dedication to customer service, investment in state-of-the-art photomask equipment and facilities, and experienced technical employees.
 
 
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The Company estimates that for the types of photomasks it manufactures (IC and FPD) the size of the total market (captive and merchant) is approximately $3.7 billion. Competitors include Compugraphics, Inc., Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Hoya Corporation, SK-Electronics Co. Ltd., Taiwan Mask Corporation, Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. and Toppan Chungwha Electronics Corporation. The Company also competes with semiconductor manufacturers' captive photomask manufacturing operations that supply photomasks for internal use and, in some instances, also for external customers and foundries. The Company expects to face continued competition which, in the past, has led to pressure to reduce prices. The Company believes the pressure to reduce prices has contributed to the decrease in the number of independent manufacturers, and expects such pressure to continue in the future.

Employees

As of October 30, 2011, the Company had approximately 1,350 employees. The Company believes it offers competitive compensation and other benefits and that its employee relations are good.
 
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
 
The Company's dependency on the semiconductor industry which, as a whole, is volatile and could have a negative material impact on its business.

The Company sells substantially all of its photomasks to semiconductor designers, manufacturers and foundries, as well as to other high performance electronics manufacturers. The Company believes that the demand for photomasks depends primarily on design activity rather than sales volume from products using photomask technologies. Consequently, an increase in semiconductor or FPD sales does not necessarily result in a corresponding increase in photomask sales. In addition, the reduced use of customized ICs, a reduction in design complexity, other changes in the technology or methods of manufacturing or designing semiconductors or a slowdown in the introduction of new semiconductor or FPD designs could reduce demand for photomasks even if the demand for semiconductors and FPDs increases. Further, advances in design and production methods for semiconductors and other high performance electronics could reduce the demand for photomasks. Historically, the semiconductor industry has been volatile, with sharp periodic downturns and slowdowns. These downturns have been characterized by, among other things, diminished product demand, excess production capacity and accelerated erosion of selling prices. The semiconductor industry experienced a downturn in fiscal 2008, which continued through fiscal 2009, and had an adverse impact on the Company's 2009 operating results.

The Company's results may suffer if either the IC or FPD photomask market does not grow or if the Company is unable to serve these markets successfully. The Company believes that the demand for photomasks for both ICs and FPDs depends primarily on design activity and, to a lesser extent, upon an increase in the number of production facilities used to manufacture ICs or FPDs. As a result, an increase in IC or FPD sales will not necessarily lead to a corresponding increase in photomask sales. A slowdown in the development of new technologies for fabricating ICs or FPDs could reduce the demand for related photomasks even if the demand for ICs or FPDs increases.
 
The Company incurred a net loss in fiscal year 2009, and may incur future net losses.

The Company incurred a net loss of $41.9 million in fiscal 2009 due, in part, to the global recession and related severe downturn experienced by the semiconductor industry that began in 2008. The net loss incurred in fiscal year 2009 included significant non-cash charges for restructurings and impairments of long-lived assets. The Company returned to profitability and had net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. of $16.2 million in fiscal 2011 and $23.9 million in fiscal 2010, but cannot provide assurance that it will not incur future net losses.
 
 
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The Company's quarterly operating results fluctuate significantly and may continue to do so in the future.

The Company has experienced fluctuations in its quarterly operating results and anticipates that such fluctuations will continue and could intensify in the future. Fluctuations in operating results may result in volatility in the prices of the Company's common stock and financial instruments linked to the value of the Company's common stock. Operating results may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including the size and timing of orders and shipments, the loss of significant customers, changes in product mix, the flow of customer design releases, technological change, fluctuations in manufacturing yields, competition and general economic conditions. The Company operates in a high fixed cost environment and should its revenues and asset utilization decrease, its operating margins could be negatively impacted.

The Company's customers generally order photomasks on an as-needed basis, and substantially all of the Company's net sales in any quarter are dependent on orders received during that quarter. Since the Company operates with little backlog and the rate of new orders may vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter, the Company's capital expenditures and, to some extent, expense levels are based primarily on sales forecasts. Consequently, if anticipated sales in any quarter do not occur when expected, capital expenditures and expense levels could be disproportionately high, and the Company's operating results would be adversely affected. Due to the foregoing factors, the Company believes that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of its operating results are not necessarily meaningful and that these comparisons cannot be relied upon as indicators of future performance. In addition, in future quarters the Company's operating results could be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors which, in turn, could materially adversely affect the market price of the Company's common stock.

The photomask industry is subject to rapid technological change and the Company might fail to remain competitive, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.

The photomask industry has been, and is expected to continue to be, characterized by technological change and evolving industry standards. In order to remain competitive, the Company will be required to continually anticipate, respond to and utilize changing technologies of increasing complexity in both traditional and emerging markets that it serves. In particular, the Company believes that, as semiconductor geometries continue to become smaller and FPDs become larger with improved performance, it will be required to manufacture increasingly complex photomasks. Additionally, the demand for photomasks has been, and could in the future be, adversely affected by changes in semiconductor and high performance electronics fabrication methods that affect the type or quantity of photomasks utilized, such as changes in semiconductor demand that favor field programmable gate arrays and other semiconductor designs that replace application-specific ICs. Furthermore, increased market acceptance of alternative methods of transferring IC designs onto semiconductor wafers could reduce or eliminate the need for photomasks in the production of semiconductors. As of the end of fiscal 2011, one alternative method, direct-write lithography, has not been proven to be a commercially viable alternative to photomasks, as it is considered to be too slow for high volume semiconductor wafer production. However, should direct-write or any other alternative method of transferring IC designs to semiconductor wafers without the use of photomasks achieve market acceptance, the Company's business and results of operations would be materially adversely affected. If the Company is unable to anticipate, respond to or utilize these or other technological changes, due to resource, technological or other constraints, its business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

The Company's operations will continue to require substantial capital expenditures, for which it may be unable to obtain funding.

The manufacture of photomasks requires substantial investments in high-end manufacturing capability at existing and new facilities. The Company expects that it will be required to continue to make substantial capital expenditures to meet the technological demands of its customers and to position itself for future growth. The Company's capital expenditure payments for fiscal 2012 are expected to be in the range of $60 million to $80 million, of which $19 million was in accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of October 30, 2011. The Company cannot provide assurance that it will be able to obtain the additional capital required to fund its operations on reasonable terms, if at all, or that any such inability will not have a material adverse effect on its business and results of operations.
 
 
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The Company's agreements with Micron have several risks; should either company not comply or execute under these agreements it could significantly disrupt the Company's business and technological activities, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations or cash flows.

On May 5, 2006, Photronics and Micron entered into a joint venture known as MP Mask. The joint venture develops and produces photomasks for leading-edge and advanced next generation semiconductors. As part of the formation of the joint venture, Micron contributed its existing photomask technology center located at its Boise, Idaho, headquarters to MP Mask and Photronics paid Micron $135 million in exchange for a 49.99% interest in MP Mask, a license for photomask technology of Micron and certain supply agreements. Since the formation of the joint venture, the Company has, through October 30, 2011, made contributions to MP Mask of approximately $25 million and received returns of investments of $10 million.

MP Mask is governed by a Board of Managers, appointed by Micron and the Company. Since MP Mask's inception, Micron, as a result of its majority ownership, has had greater voting power, if necessary, within MP Mask’s Board of Managers. The number of managers appointed by each party is subject to change as ownership interests change. Under the MP Mask joint venture operating agreement, the Company may be required to make additional capital contributions to the joint venture up to the maximum amount defined in the operating agreement. During fiscal 2011, the Company made additional capital contributions of $18.3 million to the MP Mask joint venture, primarily related to capital calls requested by the joint venture.

On May 19, 2009, the Company's capital lease agreement with Micron for the Company's state-of-the-art nanoFab facility ("U.S. nanoFab") in Boise, Idaho, was canceled, at which time Photronics and Micron agreed to enter into a new lease agreement for the U.S. nanoFab building. Under provisions of the new lease agreement, quarterly lease payments were reduced, the lease term was extended, and ownership of the property will not transfer to the Company at the end of the lease term. As a result of the new lease agreement, the Company reduced its lease obligations and the carrying value of its assets under capital leases by approximately $28 million. The Company paid the lease obligation in full with a portion of the net proceeds of the March 2011 issuance of its 3.25% convertible senior notes.

The failure of Photronics or Micron to comply or execute under any of these agreements, capitalize on the use of existing technology or further develop technology could result in a significant disruption to the Company's business and technological activities, and could adversely affect the Company's operations and cash flows.

The Company has been dependent on sales to a limited number of large customers; the loss of any of these customers or a significant reduction in orders from these customers could have a material adverse effect on its sales and results of operations.

Historically, the Company has sold a significant proportion of photomasks to a limited number of IC and FPD manufacturers. During fiscal 2011, one customer, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., accounted for approximately 20% of the Company's net sales. The Company's five largest customers, in the aggregate, accounted for approximately 45%, 39% and 42% of net sales in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. None of the Company's customers has entered into a significant long-term agreement with the Company requiring them to purchase the Company's products. The loss of a significant customer or a significant reduction or delay in orders from any significant customer, (including reductions or delays due to customer departures from recent buying patterns), or an unfavorable change in market, economic, or competitive conditions in the semiconductor or FPD industries, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial performance and business prospects. The consolidation of semiconductor manufacturers or an economic downturn in the semiconductor industry may increase the likelihood of losing a significant customer and also have an adverse effect on the Company's financial performance and business prospects.
 
 
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The Company depends on a small number of suppliers for equipment and raw materials and, if the Company's suppliers do not deliver their products to it, the Company may be unable to deliver its products to its customers, which could adversely affect its business and results of operations.

The Company relies on a limited number of photomask equipment manufacturers to develop and supply the equipment it uses. These equipment manufacturers currently require lead times of up to twelve months or longer between the order and the delivery of certain photomask imaging and inspection equipment. The failure of such manufacturers to develop or deliver such equipment on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations. Further, the Company relies on equipment manufacturers to develop future generations of manufacturing equipment to meet its requirements. In addition, the manufacturing equipment necessary to produce advanced photomasks could become prohibitively expensive.

The Company uses high precision quartz photomask blanks, pellicles, and electronic grade chemicals in its manufacturing processes. There are a limited number of suppliers of these raw materials and, for production of certain high-end photomasks, there is only one available supplier, whose manufacturing facilities are located in Japan. The Company has no long-term contracts for the supply of these raw materials. Any delays or quality problems in connection with significant raw materials, particularly photomask blanks, could cause delays in the shipments of photomasks, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations. The fluctuation of foreign currency exchange rates, with respect to prices of equipment and raw materials used in manufacturing, could also have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.

The Company faces risks associated with the use of sophisticated equipment and complex manufacturing processes and technologies. The inability of the Company to effectively utilize such equipment and perform such processes and technologies could have a material adverse effect on its business and results of operations.

The Company's complex manufacturing processes require the use of expensive and technologically sophisticated equipment and materials, and are continually modified in an effort to improve manufacturing yields and product quality. Minute impurities, defects or other difficulties in the manufacturing process can lower manufacturing yields and make products unmarketable. Moreover, manufacturing leading-edge photomasks is more complex and time consuming than manufacturing less advanced photomasks, and may lead to delays in the manufacturing of all levels of photomasks. The Company has, on occasion, experienced manufacturing difficulties and capacity limitations that have delayed the Company's ability to deliver products within the time frames contracted for by its customers. The Company cannot provide assurance that it will not experience these or other manufacturing difficulties, or be subject to increased costs or production capacity constraints in the future, any of which could result in a loss of customers or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on its business and results of operations.

The Company's debt agreements limit its ability to obtain financing and may obligate the Company to repay debt before its maturity.

Financial covenants related to the Company’s credit facility include Total Leverage Ratio, a Minimum Fixed Charge Ratio, and Minimum Unrestricted Cash Balances. Existing covenant restrictions limit the Company's ability to obtain additional debt financing and, should Photronics be unable to meet one or more of these covenants, its lenders may require the Company to repay any outstanding balance prior to the expiration date of the agreements. The Company's ability to comply with the financial and other covenants in its debt agreements may be affected by worsening economic or business conditions, or other events. The Company cannot assure that additional sources of financing would be available to pay off any long-term borrowings, so as to avoid default.  Should the Company default on certain of its long-term borrowings, a cross default would occur on other long-term borrowings, unless amended or waived.

 
10

 
 
The Company's prior and future acquisitions may entail certain operational and financial risks.

The Company has made significant acquisitions throughout its history. The focus of the Company’s most recent significant acquisitions has been on increasing its manufacturing presence in Asia, including its acquisition in 2000 of Precision Semiconductor Mask Corporation, a Taiwanese photomask manufacturer, and in 2001 of PK Ltd., a Korean photomask manufacturer, and increasing its technology base through the MP Mask joint venture between Photronics and Micron in 2006. The Company may make additional acquisitions in the future. Acquisitions place significant demands on the Company's administrative, operational and financial personnel and systems. Managing acquired operations entails numerous operational and financial risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of acquired operations, diversion of management's attention from other business concerns, managing assets in multiple geographic regions, determining values of acquired intangible assets and the potential loss of key employees of acquired operations. Sales of acquired operations may decline following an acquisition, particularly if there is an overlap of customers served by the Company and the acquired operation, and these customers transition to another vendor in order to ensure a second source of supply. Furthermore, the Company may be required to utilize its cash reserves and/or issue new securities to fund future acquisitions, which could have a dilutive effect on its earnings per share.

The Company's cash flow from operations and current holdings of cash may not be adequate for its current and long-term needs.

The Company's liquidity is highly dependent on its sales volume and the timing of its capital expenditures, (which can vary significantly from period to period), as it operates in a high fixed cost environment. Depending on conditions in the semiconductor and FPD markets, the Company's cash flows from operations and current holdings of cash may not be adequate to meet its current and long-term needs for capital expenditures, operations and debt repayments. Historically, in certain years, the Company has used external financing to fund these needs. Due to conditions in the credit markets, some financing instruments used by the Company in the past may not be currently available to it. Therefore, the Company cannot provide assurance that additional sources of financing would be available to it on commercially favorable terms, if at all, should its cash requirements exceed its cash available from operations, existing cash, and cash available under its credit facility.

The Company may fail to realize projected benefits related to its fiscal 2012 restructuring in Singapore or, it may incur unforeseen charges related to any other possible future facility closures or restructurings.

In order to lower its operating costs and increase its manufacturing efficiencies, in December 2011 the Company ceased the manufacture of photomasks at its facility in Singapore. However, the Company cannot assure that this action will result in its realizing the projected benefits related to this restructuring. The Company also cannot provide assurance that there will not be additional facility closures or other restructurings in the near or long-term, nor can it assure that it will not incur significant charges, should there be any additional future facility closures or restructurings.
 
The Company operates in a highly competitive industry; should the Company be unable to meet its customers' requirements for product quality, timeliness of delivery or technical capabilities, it could adversely affect the Company's sales.

The photomask industry is highly competitive, and most of the Company's customers utilize more than one photomask supplier. The Company's competitors include Compugraphics, Inc., Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Hoya Corporation, SK-Electronics Co., Ltd., Taiwan Mask Corporation, Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. and Toppan Chunghwa Electronics Corporation. The Company also competes with semiconductor manufacturers' captive photomask manufacturing operations, some of which market their photomask manufacturing services to outside customers. The Company expects to face continued competition from these and other suppliers in the future. Many of the Company's competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, sales, marketing and other resources than it has. Also, when producing smaller geometry photomasks, some of the Company's competitors may be able to more rapidly develop, produce, and achieve higher manufacturing yields than the Company. The Company believes that consistency of product quality and timeliness of delivery, as well as price, technical capability, and service are the principal factors considered by customers in selecting their photomask suppliers. The Company's inability to meet these requirements could have a material adverse effect on its business and results of operations. In the past, competition led to pressure to reduce prices which, the Company believes, contributed to the decrease in the number of independent photomask suppliers. This pressure to reduce prices may continue in the future.
 
 
11

 
 
The Company's substantial international operations are subject to additional risks.

International sales were approximately 69%, 71% and 72% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company believes that maintaining significant international operations requires it to have, among other things, a local presence in the geographic markets that it supplies. This requires significant investments in financial, managerial, operational, and other resources. Since 1996, the Company has significantly expanded its operations in international markets by acquiring existing businesses in Europe, acquiring majority equity interests in photomask manufacturing operations in Korea and Taiwan and building a new manufacturing facility for FPD photomasks in Taiwan. The Company, in order to enable it to optimize its investments and other resources, closely monitors the semiconductor and FPD manufacturing markets for indications of geographic movement and, in conjunction with these efforts, continues to assess the locations of its manufacturing facilities. These assessments may result in the opening or closing of facilities.

Operations outside of the United States are subject to inherent risks, including fluctuations in exchange rates, unstable political and economic conditions in various countries, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs and other trade barriers, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, longer accounts receivable payment cycles and potentially adverse tax consequences. These factors may have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to generate sales outside of the United States and, consequently, on its business and results of operations.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates could materially, adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principals generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and are reported in U.S. dollars. The Company's international operations have transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the Korean won, New Taiwan dollar, Japanese yen, Singapore dollar, euro, and the pound sterling. In fiscal 2011, the Company recorded a net gain from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $0.4 million in its statement of operations, while its net assets were increased by $3.3 million as a result of the translation of foreign currency financial statements to U.S. dollars. In the event of significant foreign currency fluctuations, the Company's results of operations, financial condition or cash flows may be adversely affected.

The Company's business depends on managerial and technical personnel, who are in great demand, and its inability to attract and retain qualified employees could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.

The Company's success depends, in part, upon key managerial, engineering and technical personnel, as well as its ability to continue to attract and retain additional qualified personnel. The loss of certain key personnel could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business and results of operations. There can be no assurance that the Company can retain its key managerial, and technical employees, or that it can attract similar additional employees in the future.

The Company may be unable to enforce or defend its ownership and use of proprietary technology, and the utilization of unprotected Company developed technology by its competitors could adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations and financial position.

The Company believes that the success of its business depends more on its proprietary technology, information and processes, and know-how than on its patents or trademarks. Much of its proprietary information and technology related to manufacturing processes is not patented and may not be patentable. The Company cannot offer assurance that:

 
·
it will be able to adequately protect its technology;

 
·
competitors will not independently develop similar technology; or

 
·
international intellectual property laws will adequately protect its intellectual property rights.
 
 
12

 
 
The Company may become the subject of infringement claims or legal proceedings by third parties with respect to current or future products or processes. Any such claims, with or without merit, or litigation to enforce or protect its intellectual property rights, or that require the Company to defend itself against claimed infringements of the rights of others, could result in substantial costs, diversion of resources, and product shipment delays or could force the Company to enter into royalty or license agreements, rather than dispute the merits of these claims. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial position.

The Company may be unprepared for changes to environmental laws and regulations and may incur liabilities arising from environmental matters.

The Company is subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations that impose various environmental controls on, among other things, the discharge of pollutants into the air and water and the handling, use, storage, disposal and clean-up of solid and hazardous wastes. Changes in these laws and regulations may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations. Any failure by the Company to adequately comply with these laws and regulations could subject it to significant future liabilities.

In addition, these laws and regulations may impose clean-up liabilities on current and former owners and operators of real property as well as parties who arrange for the disposal of hazardous substances at off-site locations owned or operated by others, without regard to fault, so that these liabilities may be joint and several with other parties. In the past, the Company has been involved in remediation activities related to its properties. The Company believes, based upon current information, that environmental liabilities relating to these activities or other matters are not material to its financial position or operations. However, there can be no assurances that the Company will not incur any material environmental liabilities in the future.

The Company's production facilities could be damaged or disrupted by a natural disaster or labor strike, either of which could adversely affect its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

A major catastrophe, such as an earthquake or other natural disaster, labor strike, or work stoppage at any manufacturing facility of the Company, its suppliers, or its customers, could result in a prolonged interruption of the Company’s business. A disruption resulting from any one of these events could cause significant delays in shipments of the Company's products and the loss of sales and customers, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The Company's facilities in Taiwan are located in a seismically active area.

The Company's sales can be impacted by the health and stability of the general economy, which could adversely affect its results of operations and cash flows.

Unfavorable general economic conditions in the U.S. or other countries in which the Company does business may have the effect of reducing the demand for photomasks. Economic downturns may lead to a decrease in demand for end products whose manufacturing processes involve the use of photomasks, which may result in a reduction in new product design and development by semiconductor manufacturers, and adversely affect the Company's results of operations and cash flows.

Additional taxes could adversely affect the Company's financial results.

The Company's tax filings are subjected to audit by tax authorities in the various jurisdictions in which it does business. These audits may result in assessments of additional taxes that are subsequently resolved with the authorities or through the courts. Currently, the Company believes there are no outstanding assessments whose resolution would result in a material adverse financial result. However, the Company cannot offer assurances that unasserted or potential future assessments would not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
 
 
13

 
 
The Company's business could be adversely impacted by global or regional catastrophic events.

The Company's business could be adversely affected by terrorist acts, major natural disasters, widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases, or the outbreak or escalation of wars, especially in the Asian region, where the Company generates a significant portion of its sales, and in Japan where it purchases raw materials and capital equipment. Such events in the geographic regions in which the Company does business, including escalations of political tensions and military operations within the Korean Peninsula, where a major portion of the Company's foreign operations are located, could have material adverse impacts on its sales volume, cost of raw materials, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Technology failures or cyber security breaches could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations.
 
The Company relies on information technology systems to process, transmit, store, and protect electronic information. For example, a significant portion of the communications between the Company’s personnel, customers, and suppliers depends on information technology. Information technology systems of the Company may be vulnerable to a variety of interruptions due to events beyond its control including, but not limited to, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, hackers, and other security issues. The Company has technology and information security processes and disaster recovery plans in place to mitigate our risk to these vulnerabilities. However, these measures may not be adequate to ensure that our operations will not be disrupted, should such an event occur.

Servicing the Company's debt requires a significant amount of cash, and the Company may not have sufficient cash flow from its operations to pay its indebtedness.

The Company's ability to make scheduled payments of debt principal and interest or to refinance its indebtedness depends on its future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company's business may not continue to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to both service its debt and make necessary capital expenditures. If the Company is unable to generate such cash flow, it may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. The Company's ability to refinance its indebtedness will depend upon the conditions in the capital markets and the Company's financial condition at such time. The Company may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on its debt obligations.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

The following table presents certain information about the Company's photomask manufacturing facilities:

 
Location
 
Type of
Interest
   
         
Allen, Texas
 
Owned
   
Boise, Idaho
 
Leased
   
Brookfield, Connecticut
 
Owned
   
Bridgend, South Wales
 
Leased
   
Cheonan, Korea
 
Owned
   
Dresden, Germany
 
Leased
   
Hsinchu, Taiwan
 
Leased
   
Singapore
 
Leased
 
(1)
Taichung, Taiwan
 
Owned
 
(2)

(1)  The Company ceased the manufacturing of photomasks at its Singapore facility in December 2011.

(2)   The Company owns its manufacturing facility in Taichung, however, it leases the related land.

 
14

 
 
The Company believes that its existing manufacturing facilities are suitable and adequate for its present purposes. The Company also leases various sales offices. The Company's administrative headquarters are located in Brookfield, Connecticut, in a building that it owns.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to various claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes such claims, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the business of the Company.

ITEM 4. [Removed and reserved]

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDERS' MATTERS

The Common Stock of the Company is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NASDAQ") under the symbol PLAB. The table below shows the range of high and low sale prices per share of each quarter for fiscal years 2011 and 2010, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market.


   
High
   
Low
 
             
Fiscal Year Ended October 30, 2011:
           
             
Quarter Ended January 30, 2011
  $ 7.25     $ 5.63  
Quarter Ended May 1, 2011
    10.15       6.47  
Quarter Ended July 31, 2011
    10.13       7.46  
Quarter Ended October 30, 2011
    7.93       4.58  
                 
Fiscal Year Ended October 31,  2010:
               
                 
Quarter Ended January 31, 2010
  $ 5.14     $ 3.73  
Quarter Ended May 2, 2010
    5.98       3.52  
Quarter Ended August 1, 2010
    5.64       4.03  
Quarter Ended October 31, 2010
    6.86       3.88  
 
On December 31, 2011, the closing sale price of the Common Stock per the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $6.08. Based on information available to the Company, the Company believes it has approximately 9,400 shareholders.

The Company, to date, has not paid any cash dividends on PLAB shares and, for the foreseeable future, anticipates that earnings will continue to be retained for use in its business. Further, the Company's revolving credit facility precludes it from paying cash dividends.

The information regarding the Company's equity compensation required to be disclosed by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference from the Company's 2012 definitive Proxy Statement into Item 12 of Part III of this report.

In the second and third quarters of fiscal 2011 the Company, in two separate transactions, acquired $35.4 million of its 5.5% convertible senior notes in exchange for 5.2 million shares of its common stock, with a fair value of $45.7 million, and cash of $22.9 million (the note holders received 147.529 shares and cash of $647 for each $1,000 note). The Company, in connection with these transactions, recorded extinguishment losses of $35.1 million, which included the write-off of deferred financing fees of $2.0 million. The losses are included in other income (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
 
 
15

 
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data is derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements. The data should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this Form 10-K (in thousands, except per share amounts).
 
   
Year Ended
 
   
October 30,
2011
     
October 31,
2010
     
November 1,
2009
     
November 2,
2008
     
October 28,
2007
 
                                       
OPERATING DATA:
                                     
                                       
Net sales
  $ 512,020       $ 425,554       $ 361,353       $ 422,548       $ 421,479  
                                                 
Cost and expenses:
                                               
Cost of sales
    (375,806 )       (333,739 )       (304,282 )       (349,841 )       (321,958 )
Selling, general and administrative
    (45,240 )       (42,387 )       (41,162 )       (55,167 )       (61,507 )
Research and development
    (15,507 )       (14,932 )       (15,423 )       (17,475 )       (17,300 )
Consolidation, restructuring and related credits (charges)
    -         4,979  
(c)
    (13,557 )
(e)
    (510 )
(h)
    -  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    -         -         (1,458 )
(f)
    (66,874 )
(i)
    -  
Impairment of goodwill
    -         -         -         (138,534 )
(j)
    -  
Gain on sale of facility
    -         -         2,034         -         2,254  
Operating income (loss)
    75,467         39,475         (12,495 )       (205,853 )       22,968  
                                                 
Other income (expense):
                                               
Debt extinguishment loss
    (35,259 )
(a)
    -         -         -         -  
Interest expense
    (7,258 )       (9,475 )       (22,401 )       (11,878 )       (5,928 )
                                                 
Investment and other income (expense), net
    2,949  
(b)
    2,553  
(d)
    (2,208 )
(g)
    5,562         6,844  
Income (loss) before income tax (provision) benefit
    35,899         32,553         (37,104 )       (212,169 )       23,884  
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (15,691 )       (7,471 )       (4,323 )       2,778         3,178  
Net income (loss)
    20,208  
(a)(b)
    25,082  
(c)(d)
    (41,427 )
(e)(f)(g)
    (209,391 )
(h)(i)(j)
    27,062  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (3,979 )       (1,160 )       (483 )       (1,374 )       (2,539 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Photronics, Inc.
  $ 16,229  
(a)(b)
  $ 23,922  
(c)(d)
  $ (41,910 )
(e)(f)(g)
  $ (210,765 )
(h)(i)(j)
  $ 24,523  
                                                 
Earnings (loss) per share:
                                               
                                                 
Basic
  $ 0.28  
(a)(b)
  $ 0.45  
(c)(d)
  $ (0.97 )
(e)(f)(g)
  $ (5.06 )
(h)(i)(j)
  $ 0.59  
Diluted
  $ 0.28  
(a)(b)
  $ 0.43  
(c)(d)
  $ (0.97 )
(e)(f)(g)
  $ (5.06 )
(h)(i)(j)
  $ 0.56  
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
                                               
                                                 
Basic
    57,030         53,433         43,210         41,658         41,539  
Diluted
    58,458         65,803         43,210         41,658         51,282  
 
 
16

 
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA
     
   
As of
 
   
October 30,
2011
   
October 31,
2010
   
November 1,
2009
   
November 2,
2008
   
October 28,
2007
 
                               
Working capital
  $ 209,306     $ 86,573     $ 89,542     $ 66,419     $ 96,606  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    368,680       369,814       347,889       436,528       531,578  
Total assets
    817,854       703,879       663,656       758,007       1,059,780  
Long-term debt
    152,577       78,852       112,137       202,979       191,253  
Equity
    559,756       495,943       449,696       432,398       703,749  
 
(a)
 
Includes losses recorded in connection with the acquisition of $35.4 million face amount of the Company’s 5.5% convertible senior notes, in exchange for 5.2 million shares of its common stock and cash of $22.9 million.
     
(b)
 
Includes non-cash mark-to-market charge of $0.4 million net of tax in connection with warrants issued to purchase the Company’s common stock.
     
(c)
 
Includes consolidation and restructuring credits of $5.0 million in connection with the closure of the Company's Shanghai, China, facility.
     
(d)
 
Includes non-cash mark-to-market charge of $0.9 million net of tax in connection with warrants issued to purchase the Company's common stock.
     
(e)
 
Includes consolidation and restructuring charges of $13.6 million ($12.9 million net of tax) in connection with the closures of the Company's Shanghai, China, and Manchester, U.K., manufacturing facilities.
     
(f)
 
Includes impairment charge of $1.5 million ($1.1 million net of tax) related to the Company's Manchester, U.K., manufacturing facility.
     
(g)
 
Includes non-cash mark-to-market charge of $0.3 million net of tax in connection with warrants issued to purchase the Company's common stock.
     
(h)
 
Includes consolidation and restructuring charges of $0.5 million ($0.4 million net of tax) in connection with the closure of the Company's Manchester, U.K., manufacturing facility.
     
(i)
 
Includes impairment charge of $66.9 million ($60.9 million net of tax) for certain long-lived assets in Asia and Europe.
     
(j)
 
Includes impairment of goodwill charge of $138.5 million ($137.3 million net of tax).

ITEM 7.
 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations for the Years Ended October 30, 2011, October 31, 2010 and November 1, 2009

Overview

The Company sells substantially all of its photomasks to semiconductor designers and manufacturers, and manufacturers of FPDs. Photomask technology is also being applied to the fabrication of other higher performance electronic products such as photonics, micro-electronic mechanical systems and certain nanotechnology applications. Thus, the Company's selling cycle is tightly interwoven with the development and release of new semiconductor designs and flat panel applications, particularly as it relates to the semiconductor industry's migration to more advanced design methodologies and fabrication processes. The Company believes that the demand for photomasks primarily depends on design activity rather than sales volumes from products manufactured using photomask technologies. Consequently, an increase in semiconductor or FPD sales does not necessarily result in a corresponding increase in photomask sales. However, the reduced use of customized ICs, reductions in design complexity, other changes in the technology or methods of manufacturing or designing semiconductors, or a slowdown in the introduction of new semiconductor or FPD designs could reduce demand for photomasks even if demand for semiconductors and FPDs increases. Advances in semiconductor, FPD and photomask design and semiconductor and FPD production methods could also reduce the demand for photomasks. Historically, the semiconductor industry has been volatile, with sharp periodic downturns and slowdowns. These downturns have been characterized by, among other things, diminished product demand, excess production capacity and accelerated erosion of selling prices. The semiconductor industry experienced a downturn in 2008 that continued into 2009, which had a negative impact on the Company's 2009 operating results. The Company's 2009 operating results were also negatively impacted by the global recession.
 
 
17

 
 
The global semiconductor industry, including mobile display devices, is driven by end markets which have been closely tied to consumer driven applications of high performance semiconductor devices including, but not limited to, mobile communications and computing solutions. The Company is typically required to fulfill its customer orders within a short period of time, sometimes within 24 hours. This results in the Company having a minimal level of backlog orders, typically one to two weeks for IC photomasks and two to three weeks for FPD photomasks. The Company cannot predict the timing of the industry's transition to volume production of next generation technology nodes or the timing of up and down cycles with precise accuracy, but believes that such transitions and cycles will continue into the future, beneficially and adversely affecting its business, financial condition and operating results in the near term. The Company believes its ability to remain successful in these environments is dependent upon its achieving its goals of being a service and technology leader and efficient solutions supplier, which it believes should enable it to continually reinvest in its global infrastructure.

Since the recession that began in 2008, to some extent, it has been increasingly difficult to obtain external sources of financing to fund operations. As the Company continues to face challenges in the current and near term that require it to continue to make significant improvements in its competitiveness, it continues to evaluate further cost reduction initiatives.

The Company is focused on improving its competitiveness by advancing its technology and reducing costs and, in connection therewith, has invested in manufacturing equipment to serve the high-end market. In order to lower its operating costs and increase its manufacturing efficiencies, in 2009 the Company ceased the manufacture of photomasks at its facilities in Manchester, U.K. and Shanghai, China, and, in December 2011 at its facility in Singapore.

As of December 2011 state-of-the-art production for semiconductor masks is considered to be 45 nanometer and lower for ICs and Generation 8 and above and AMOLED display based process technologies for FPDs. However, 65 nanometer and above geometries for semiconductors and Generation 7 and below process technologies for FPDs constitute the majority of designs currently being fabricated in volume. The Company expects 45 nanometer designs to continue to move to wafer fabrication throughout fiscal 2012, and believes it is well positioned to service an increasing volume of this business as a result of its investments in manufacturing processes and technology in the global regions where its customers are located.

The photomask industry has been, and is expected to continue to be, characterized by technological change and evolving industry standards. In order to remain competitive, the Company will be required to continually anticipate, respond to, and utilize changing technologies. In particular, the Company believes that, as semiconductor geometries continue to become smaller, it will be required to manufacture even more complex optically-enhanced reticles, including optical proximity correction and phase-shift photomasks. Additionally, demand for photomasks has been, and could in the future be, adversely affected by changes in semiconductor and high performance electronics fabrication methods that affect the type or quantity of photomasks used, such as changes in semiconductor demand that favor field-programmable gate arrays and other semiconductor designs that replace application-specific ICs. Furthermore, increased market acceptance of alternative methods of transferring circuit designs onto semiconductor wafers could reduce or eliminate the need for photomasks in the production of semiconductors. As of the end of fiscal 2011, one alternative method, direct-write lithography, has not been proven to be a commercially viable alternative to photomasks, as it is considered too slow for high volume semiconductor wafer production, and the Company has not experienced a significant loss of revenue as a result of this or other alternative semiconductor design methodologies. However, should direct-write or any other alternative method of transferring IC designs to semiconductor wafers without the use of photomasks achieve market acceptance, and the Company does not anticipate, respond to, or utilize these or other changing technologies due to resource, technological or other constraints, its business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
 
 
18

 
 
Both revenues and costs have been affected by the increased demand for high-end technology photomasks that require more advanced manufacturing capabilities, but generally command higher average selling prices ("ASPs"). The Company's capital expenditure payments aggregated approximately $188 million for the three fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, resulting in significant increases in operating expenses. The Company intends to continue to make the required investments to support the technological demands of its customers and position itself for future growth, and expects capital expenditure payments to be between $60 million and $80 million in fiscal 2012.

The manufacture of photomasks for use in fabricating ICs and other related products built using comparable photomask-based process technologies has been, and continues to be, capital intensive. The Company's integrated global manufacturing network, which consists of eight manufacturing sites, and its employees represent a significant portion of its fixed operating cost base. Should sales volumes decrease as a result of a decrease in design releases from the Company's customers, the Company may have excess or underutilized production capacity that could significantly impact operating margins, or result in write-offs from asset impairments.

The vast majority of photomask units produced for semiconductor manufacturers employ geometries of 65 nanometers or larger for ICs, and the vast majority of photomask units produced for FPD manufacturers are Generation 7 technologies or lower. At these geometries, the Company can produce full lines of photomasks and there is no significant technology employed by the Company's competitors that is not available to the Company. Semiconductor fabrication also occurs below 65 nanometer for ICs, and FPD fabrication also occurs at Generation 8 and above.

     In the first quarter of fiscal 2012 the Company ceased the manufacture of photomasks at its Singapore facility.  The Company expects that the restructuring costs of this action will not exceed $2.5 million, all of which it expects to record in fiscal 2012.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2011 the Company issued, through a private offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, $115 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes. The notes mature on April 1, 2016, and note holders may convert each $1,000 principal amount of notes to 96.3879 shares of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion price of $10.37 per share of common stock) at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding April 1, 2016. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, which are described in the indenture dated March 28, 2011. The Company is not required to redeem the notes prior to their maturity date. Interest on the notes accrues in arrears, and is paid semiannually through the notes’ maturity date. Interest payments on the notes commenced on October 1, 2011. The net proceeds of the notes were approximately $110.7 million, which were used, in part, to repurchase $35.4 million of the Company’s 5.5% convertible senior notes, which were to mature in October 2014, and to pay, in full, its then outstanding obligations under capital leases of $19.8 million.

In the second and third quarters of fiscal 2011 the Company, in two separate transactions, acquired $35.4 million of its 5.5% convertible senior notes in exchange for 5.2 million shares of its common stock, with a fair value of $45.7 million, and cash of $22.9 million (the note holders received 147.529 shares and cash of $647 for each $1,000 note). The Company, in connection with these transactions, recorded extinguishment losses of $35.1 million, which included the write-off of deferred financing fees of $2.0 million. The losses are included in other income (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

In 2011 the board of directors of PSMC authorized PSMC to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock for retirement.  These repurchase programs resulted in 21.6 million shares being purchased for $9.9 million.  PSMC’s repurchase of these shares increased the Company’s ownership percentage in PSMC from 57.53% at October 31, 2010 to 62.25% as of October 30, 2011.

 
19

 
 
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 the Company issued approximately 11.1 million shares of its common stock at a price of $4.15 per share. Gross proceeds from the offering were $46.0 million which were reduced by underwriting commissions and other expenses to yield net proceeds of approximately $43.1 million. The net proceeds from the offering were used to reduce outstanding amounts under the Company's credit facility.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 the Company issued $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of 5.5% convertible senior notes which mature on October 1, 2014. Note holders may convert each $1,000 principal amount of notes to 196.7052 shares of stock (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $5.08 per share of common stock) on September 30, 2014. The conversion rate may be increased in the event of a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the prospectus supplement filed by the Company on September 11, 2009) and the Company may not redeem the notes prior to their stated maturity date. The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $54.9 million, which were used to reduce outstanding amounts under the Company's credit facility. As discussed above, as of October 30, 2011, $35.4 million of the convertible senior notes have been converted. Concurrent with the issuance of the 5.5% convertible senior notes, the Company issued warrants to Intel Capital Corporation to purchase a total of 750,000 shares of the Company's common stock, 500,000 of which were at an exercise price of $4.15 per share and 250,000 at an exercise price of $5.08 per share. The warrants expire on September 10, 2014, and were issued to Intel Capital Corporation, an affiliate of Intel Corporation, in consideration for an agreement between the Company and Intel Corporation to share technical and operations information regarding the development of the Company's products, the capabilities of the Company's photomask manufacturing lines and the alignment of photomask toolsets. As of October 30, 2011, none of the warrants issued to Intel Capital Corporation have been exercised. Intel Capital Corporation also invested in the Company's 2009 convertible debt offering.

In the third quarter of 2009 the Company ceased the manufacture of photomasks at its Shanghai, China, facility. Through the end of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded total restructuring charges related to this action of $10.2 million, including $9.9 million related to asset write-downs, primarily for the Shanghai manufacturing facility whose fair value was determined by management using a market approach. Approximately seventy-five employees were affected by this action. During fiscal 2010, the Company recorded net restructuring credits related to the Shanghai facility closing of $5.0 million. The net credit was primarily the result of a gain of $5.4 million related to the sale of the facility.

In the first quarter of 2009 the Company ceased the manufacture of photomasks at its Manchester, U.K., facility and in connection therewith, restructuring charges (primarily for termination costs and asset write-downs) of $3.3 million ($2.7 million net of tax) were incurred in fiscal 2009. Approximately eighty-five employees were affected by this action.

In the first quarter of 2008 a capital lease agreement commenced for the U.S. nanoFab facility. Quarterly lease payments, which bore interest at 8%, were $3.8 million through January 2013. This lease was cancelled in the third quarter of 2009, at which time the Company and Micron (the lessor) entered into a new lease agreement for the facility. Under the provisions of the new lease agreement, quarterly lease payments were reduced from $3.8 million to $2.0 million, the term of the lease was extended from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2014, and ownership of the property will not transfer to the Company at the end of the lease term. The interest rate of the new lease agreement was also 8%. As a result of the new lease agreement, the Company reduced its lease obligation and the carrying value of its assets under capital leases by approximately $28 million. The lease obligation was paid in full with a portion of the net proceeds of the March 28, 2011, issuance of its 3.25% convertible senior notes. The lease will be accounted for as an operating lease during the additional two years of the new lease term.

 
20

 
 
Results of Operations

The following table presents selected operating information expressed as a percentage of net sales:

   
Year Ended
 
   
October 30,
2011
   
October 31,
2010
   
November 1,
2009
 
                   
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    (73.4 )     (78.4 )     (84.2 )
Gross margin
    26.6       21.6       15.8  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (8.9 )     (10.0 )     (11.4 )
Research and development expenses
    (3.0 )     (3.5 )     (4.3 )
Consolidation, restructuring and related credits (charges)
    -       1.2       (3.8 )
Impairment of long-lived assets
    -       -       (0.4 )
Gain on sale of facility
    -       -       0.6  
Operating income (loss)
    14.7       9.3       (3.5 )
Debt extinguishment loss
    (6.9 )     -       -  
Interest expense
    (1.4 )     (2.3 )     (6.2 )
Investment and other income (expense), net
    0.6       0.6       (0.6 )
Income (loss) before income tax provision
    7.0       7.6       (10.3 )
Income tax provision
    (3.1 )     (1.7 )     (1.2 )
Net income (loss)
    3.9       5.9       (11.5 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (0.8 )     (0.3 )     (0.1 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Photronics, Inc.
    3.1 %     5.6 %     (11.6 )%
 
Note: All the following tabular comparisons, unless otherwise indicated, are for the fiscal years ended October 30, 2011 (2011), October 31, 2010 (2010) and November 1, 2009 (2009), in millions of dollars.

Net Sales

                     
Percent Change
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010 to
2011
   
2009 to
2010
 
                               
IC
  $ 391.2     $ 329.8     $ 272.9       18.6 %     20.9 %
FPD
    120.8       95.8       88.5       26.2       8.3  
Total net sales
  $ 512.0     $ 425.6     $ 361.4       20.3 %     17.8 %
 
 
21

 
 
Net sales for 2011 increased 20.3% to $512.0 million as compared to $425.6 million for 2010. The increase was primarily related to increased high-end IC and FPD sales, mainly resulting from increased unit demand and ASPs for both high-end ICs and FPDs.  FPD sales increased primarily as a result of increased unit demand for high-end products. High-end photomask applications, which typically have higher ASPs, include photomask sets for IC products using 45 nanometer and below technologies, and for FPD products using G8 and above and AMOLED technologies. Sales of high-end IC photomasks increased to $95 million in 2011 as compared to $37 million in 2010, and sales of high-end FPD photomasks increased to $67 million in 2011 as compared to $37 million in 2010. By geographic area, net sales in 2011 as compared to 2010 increased by $47.4 million or 18.3% in Asia, increased by $34.3 million or 27.7% in North America, and increased by $4.8 million or 11.4% in Europe. As a percent of total sales in 2011, sales were 60% in Asia, 31% in North America and 9% in Europe.

Net sales for 2010 increased 17.8% to $425.6 million as compared to $361.4 million for 2009. The increase was primarily related to increased IC sales, mainly resulting from increased high-end unit demand, and to a lesser extent increased mainstream unit demand.  FPD sales increased modestly as a result of increased unit demand for high-end products. Sales of high-end IC photomasks increased to $37 million in 2010 as compared to $14 million in 2009. By geographic area, net sales in 2010 as compared to 2009 increased by $36.8 million or 16.5% in Asia, increased by $23.9 million or 23.9% in North America, and increased by $3.5 million or 9.1% in Europe. As a percent of total sales in 2010, sales were 61% in Asia, 29% in North America and 10% in Europe.

Gross Margin
 
                     
Percent Change
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010 to
2011
   
2009 to
2010
 
Gross margin
  $ 136.2     $ 91.8     $ 57.1       48.4 %     60.9 %
Gross margin %
    26.6 %     21.6 %     15.8 %     -       -  

Gross margin percentage increased to 26.6% in 2011 from 21.6% in 2010. This increase was primarily due to increased sales of high-end IC photomask units which typically have higher ASPs. Increased unit sales of high-end FPDs also contributed to the higher gross margin percentage in 2011. Gross margin percentage increased to 21.6% in 2010 from 15.8% in 2009. This increase was primarily due to increased sales and increased high-end IC and FPD photomask units. Increased mainstream unit volume also contributed to the increased gross margin percentage in 2010. The Company operates in a high fixed cost environment and, to the extent that the Company's revenues and utilization increase or decrease, gross margin will generally be positively or negatively impacted.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

                     
Percent Change
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010 to
2011
   
2009 to
2010
 
S,G&A expense
  $ 45.2     $ 42.4     $ 41.2       6.7 %     3.0 %
% of net sales
    8.9 %     10.0 %     11.4 %     -       -  

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $2.8 million to $45.2 million in 2011, as compared with $42.4 million in 2010. The increase was primarily related to increased employee compensation and benefit expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased slightly by $1.2 million to $42.4 million in 2010, as compared with $41.2 million in 2009. This increase was also primarily related to increased employee compensation and benefit expenses.
 
 
22

 
 
Research and Development
 
                     
Percent Change
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010 to
2011
   
2009 to
2010
 
R&D expense
  $ 15.5     $ 14.9     $ 15.4       3.9 %     (3.2 )%
% of net sales
    3.0 %     3.5 %     4.3 %     -       -  

Research and development expenses consist primarily of global development efforts related to high-end process technologies for advanced sub-wavelength reticle solutions for IC technologies. Research and development expense did not change significantly in 2011 as compared to 2010, or in 2010 as compared to 2009.

Consolidation, Restructuring and Related (Credits) Charges

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
                   
Asset write-downs and other
  $ -     $ -     $ 10.9  
Net gain on sales of assets
    -       (5.2 )     -  
Employee terminations
    -       0.2       2.7  
Total consolidation, restructuring and related (credits) charges
  $ -     $ (5.0 )   $ 13.6  

Shanghai, China, Facility

In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company ceased the manufacture of photomasks at its Shanghai, China, facility. In connection with this restructuring, the Company recorded total net charges of $5.2 million, including $4.7 million of net asset write-downs through its completion in fiscal 2010. The fair value of the assets written down was determined by management using a market approach. Approximately 75 employees were affected by this restructuring.

The Company recorded an initial restructuring charge of $10.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, which included $7.7 million to write down the carrying value of the Company's Shanghai manufacturing facility to its estimated fair value at that time. In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company sold its facility in Shanghai, China, for net proceeds of $12.9 million which resulted in a gain of $5.4 million, which was recorded as a credit to the restructuring reserve in that quarter.

Manchester, U.K., Facility

During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company ceased the manufacture of photomasks at its Manchester, U.K., facility and, in connection therewith, incurred total restructuring charges of $3.9 million through its completion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, primarily for employee termination costs and asset write-downs. This initiative began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 with the recording of a $0.5 million charge for the impairment of certain long-lived assets located at the facility. Approximately 85 employees were affected by this restructuring.

Singapore Facility

In the first quarter of fiscal 2012 the Company ceased the manufacture of photomasks at its Singapore facility. The Company expects that the restructuring costs of this action will not exceed $2.5 million, all of which it expects to record in fiscal 2012.

The Company continues to assess its global manufacturing strategy. This ongoing assessment could result in future facility closures, asset redeployments, workforce reductions, and the addition of increased manufacturing facilities, all of which would be predicated on market conditions and customer requirements.
 
 
23

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

In the second quarter of 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.5 million to reduce the carrying value of its Manchester, U.K., facility to its estimated fair value, which was determined by management using a market approach.

Gain on Sale of Facility

In connection with the closing of its Manchester, U.K., manufacturing facility in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company sold that facility for $4.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, and realized a gain of $2.0 million.

Other Income (Expense)

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Debt extinguishment
  $ (35.3 )   $ -     $ -  
Interest expense
    (7.2 )     (9.5 )     (22.4 )
Investment and other income (expense), net
    2.9       2.6       (2.2 )
Total other expense, net
  $ (39.6 )   $ (6.9 )   $ (24.6 )

In the second and third quarters of fiscal 2011, the Company acquired $35.4 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.5% convertible senior notes by delivering $22.9 million in cash and 5.2 million shares of its common stock, with a fair value of $45.7 million. In connection with these 2011 acquisitions the Company recorded total debt extinguishment losses of $35.1 million, which included the write-off of $2.0 million of deferred financing fees. A portion of the net proceeds of the Company’s March 28, 2011, 3.25% convertible senior notes offering was used to repurchase these notes.

Interest expense decreased in 2011, as compared to 2010, primarily as a result of higher interest rate debt being replaced with the 3.25% convertible senior notes issued by the Company in March 2011.  In addition, in 2010, the Company wrote off $1.0 million of deferred financing fees, that was charged to interest expense, in connection with refinancing its credit facility.  Investment and other income (expense), net, increased in 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily due to increased investment earnings on the Company’s higher cash balances in 2011, lower non-cash losses related to changes in the fair value of certain of the Company’s common stock warrants and increased earnings on its equity method investment, all of which were largely offset by less favorable foreign currency transaction results.

Interest expense decreased in 2010 as compared to 2009, primarily as a result of lower debt levels and lower average interest rates on the Company's long-term borrowings. In addition, the Company incurred significantly higher amortization of deferred financing fees in 2009 that were related to amendments to its credit facility. Interest expense includes $1.0 million in 2010 and $2.9 million in 2009 related to the write-off of deferred financing fees in connection with amendments to the Company’s credit facility. The outstanding balance of the Company's variable rate debt and related higher interest costs were reduced substantially during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, with net proceeds from its common stock and convertible debt offerings of that year. Investment and other income (expense), net, increased in 2010 as compared to 2009, primarily due to improved foreign currency transaction results, which were offset, in part, by a $0.6 million increase in non-cash losses recorded to adjust certain common stock warrants to their fair value.

Income Tax Provision

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Income tax provision
  $ 15.7     $ 7.5     $ 4.3  
                         
Effective income tax rate
    43.7 %     23.0 %     11.7 %

The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% in fiscal year 2011 primarily due to the impact of the non-deductible debt extinguishment losses and the impact of a foreign subsidiary tax settlement offset by a higher level of earnings taxed at lower statutory rates in foreign jurisdictions. Further, in Korea and in Taiwan, various investment tax credits have been earned, which also reduced the Company’s effective income tax rate in 2011.
 
 
24

 

The effective income tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% in 2010 primarily due to tax rates being lower than the U.S. rate in other countries where the Company’s income is taxed. In 2009, the effective income tax rate differed from the U.S. statutory rate because income tax expenses incurred in jurisdictions where the Company generated income before income taxes were, due to valuation allowances, not significantly offset by income tax benefits realized in jurisdictions in which the Company incurred losses before income taxes.  The Company, in 2010 and 2009, also benefitted from the utilization of various investment tax credits in Korea and Taiwan.
 
The Company considers all available evidence when evaluating the potential future realization of its deferred tax assets and, when based on the weight of all available evidence, it determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized, reduces its deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance.  As a result of these evaluations, the valuation allowance was (decreased) increased by $(8.2) million, $10.9 million and $5.7 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The Company also regularly assesses the potential outcomes of ongoing and future examinations and, accordingly, has recorded accruals for such contingencies.

PKLT, the Company's FPD manufacturing facility in Taiwan, has been accorded a tax holiday which starts in 2012 and expires in 2017. In addition, the Company was accorded a tax holiday in China which expired in 2011. The availability of these tax holidays did not have a significant impact on the Company's decision to increase its Asian presence, which was in response to fundamental changes that took place in the semiconductor industry that the Company serves. These tax holidays had no dollar or per share effect on the 2011, 2010 or 2009 fiscal years.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased $2.8 million to $4.0 million in 2011, as compared to 2010, and $0.7 million to $1.2 million in 2010, as compared to 2009, primarily as a result of increased net income at PSMC, the Company's non-wholly owned subsidiary in Taiwan.

In 2011 the board of directors of PSMC authorized PSMC to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock for retirement.  These repurchase programs resulted in 21.6 million shares being purchased for $9.9 million.  PSMC’s repurchase of these shares increased the Company’s ownership percentage in PSMC from 57.53% at October 31, 2010, to 62.25% as of October 30, 2011.  The Company’s ownership percentage in its subsidiary in Korea was 99.7% at October 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

   
October 30,
2011
   
October 31,
2010
   
November 1,
2009
 
   
(in millions)
   
(in millions)
   
(in millions)
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 189.9     $ 98.9     $ 88.5  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 136.6     $ 95.9     $ 68.1  
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
  $ (100.7 )   $ (58.2 )   $ (24.7 )
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  $ 54.5     $ (32.4 )   $ (40.5 )

As of October 30, 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $189.9 million compared to $98.9 million as of October 31, 2010. The Company's working capital increased $122.7 million to $209.3 million at October 30, 2011, as compared to $86.6 million at October 31, 2010. The increase in working capital was primarily the result of cash proceeds from the issuance of $115 million of 3.25% convertible senior notes (of which a portion of the proceeds was used to repay higher interest rate debt) and increased cash generated from operating activities.

Cash provided by operating activities was $136.6 million in fiscal 2011, as compared to $95.9 million in fiscal 2010. The increase was the effect of improved year-over-year operating results (excluding the effect of the non-cash debt portion of the extinguishment loss) as a result of increased sales. Cash provided by operating activities increased to $95.9 million in fiscal 2010, as compared to $68.1 million in fiscal 2009, due to improved operating results in fiscal 2010 as a result of increased sales.

 
25

 
 
Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2011 increased to $100.7 million, as compared to $58.2 million in 2010, primarily due to increases in the Company’s investment in MP Mask as a result of capital calls, net proceeds from the sale of the Company’s former manufacturing facility in Shanghai, China, which reduced total net proceeds used in investing activities in fiscal 2010, and increased capital expenditures in 2011. Capital expenditures for the 2011, 2010, and 2009 fiscal years were $82.1 million, $71.4 million and $35.0 million, respectively. The Company expects capital expenditure payments for fiscal 2012 to be approximately $60 million to $80 million, primarily related to investment in high-end IC manufacturing capability.

Cash provided by financing activities was $54.5 million in fiscal 2011 as compared to $32.4 million used in financing activities in fiscal 2010, and was primarily comprised of the net proceeds received from the March 2011 issuance of 3.25% convertible senior notes, partially offset by the repayment of certain other higher interest rate long-term borrowings. Cash used in financing activities was $32.4 million in fiscal 2010, a decrease of $8.1 million from $40.5 million used in fiscal 2009, and is primarily comprised of $31.3 million in net repayments of long-term borrowings. These 2010 repayments were primarily made with cash generated by operations.

In March 2011 the Company issued $115 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes.  The Company realized net proceeds of $110.7 million from the issuance of the notes, which mature on April 1, 2016, and commenced paying interest semiannually on October 1, 2011. During the three month period ended May 1, 2011, the Company used $19.7 million of the net proceeds of the 3.25% convertible senior notes and issued common stock to repurchase approximately $30.4 million principal amount of its 5.5% convertible senior notes, and used an additional $19.8 million of the net proceeds to repay its outstanding obligations under capital leases.  In June 2011 the Company acquired an additional $5.0 million principal amount of its outstanding 5.5% convertible senior notes for $3.2 million and common stock.  The Company may use a portion of the remaining net proceeds of its 3.25% convertible senior notes to repurchase additional amounts of its outstanding 5.5% senior convertible notes and for capital expenditure and working capital purposes.

In March 2011 the Company and its lenders amended its revolving credit facility.  Under the terms of the amended credit facility, the total amount available to the Company to borrow was reduced from $65 million to $30 million.  The credit facility bears interest (2.50% at October 30, 2011), based on the Company’s total leverage ratio, at LIBOR plus a spread, as defined in the agreement. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets located in the United States, as well as common stock the Company owns in certain of its foreign subsidiaries, and is subject to financial covenants, including the following, as defined in the agreement:  minimum fixed charge ratio, total leverage ratio and minimum unrestricted cash balance.  In January 2011 a $10 million irrevocable stand-by letter of credit, which expired in July 2011, for the purchase of manufacturing equipment was issued under the credit facility.  As of October 30, 2011, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility and $30 million was available for borrowing.

In April 2011 the Company entered into a 5 year, $21.2 million capital lease of manufacturing equipment.  Payments under the lease, which bears interest at 3.09%, are $0.4 million per month through March 2016.  As of October 30, 2011, the total lease amount payable through the end of the lease term was $20.6 million, of which $19.2 million represented principal and $1.4 million represented interest.

In May 2009 the Company amended its revolving credit facility and entered into a warrant agreement with its lenders for 2.1 million shares of its common stock. Forty percent of the warrants were exercisable upon issuance, while the remaining warrants were cancelled as a result of the Company's September 2009 early repayment of a portion of the outstanding balance under its June 6, 2007, credit agreement. As of October 30, 2011, 0.7 million warrants were exercised, including 0.1 million exercised during fiscal 2011.  The remaining 0.2 million warrants which were outstanding at October 30, 2011, were exercised in December 2011.  The warrants were exercised for one share of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share. The warrant agreement included a net cash settleable put provision exercisable starting in May 2012 and a call provision exercisable starting in May 2013, both of which were exercisable only if the Company's common stock is not traded on a national exchange. As a result of the aforementioned net cash settleable put provision, the warrants were initially recorded as a liability (included in other liabilities) and were subsequently reported at their fair value.
 
 
26

 
 
In addition to the former credit facility discussed above, the Company also entered into a term loan agreement on June 8, 2009, with an aggregate commitment of $27.2 million. This loan was repaid in February 2010 with funds from the credit facility.

In September 2009 the Company sold, through a public offering, $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of 5.5% convertible senior notes which mature on October 1, 2014. As discussed above, $35.4 million principal amount of these notes were acquired during 2011, leaving an outstanding principal amount of $22.1 million at October 30, 2011. Note holders may convert each $1,000 principal amount of notes to 196.7052 shares of stock (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $5.08 per share of common stock) on September 30, 2014. The conversion rate may be increased in the event of a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the prospectus supplement filed by the Company on September 11, 2009) and the Company may not redeem the notes prior to their maturity date. The net proceeds of the convertible senior notes offering were approximately $54.9 million, which were used to reduce outstanding amounts under the Company's credit facility.

The Company's liquidity is highly dependent on its sales volume, cash conversion cycle, and the timing of its capital expenditures (which can vary significantly from period to period), as it operates in a high fixed cost environment. Depending on conditions in the semiconductor and FPD markets, the Company's cash flows from operations and current holdings of cash may not be adequate to meet its current and long-term needs for capital expenditures, operations and debt repayments. Historically, in certain years, the Company has used external financing to fund these needs. Due to conditions in the credit markets, some financing instruments used by the Company in the past may not be currently available to it. The Company continues to evaluate further cost reduction initiatives. However, the Company cannot assure that additional sources of financing would be available to it on commercially favorable terms, should its cash requirements exceed cash available from operations, existing cash, and cash available under its credit facility.

At October 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments of approximately $18.5 million, which include approximately $14.4 million related to capital expenditures, primarily for investment in high-end IC photomask manufacturing capability. The Company intends to finance its capital expenditures with working capital and cash generated from operations, and, if necessary, with borrowings under its credit facility.

Cash Requirements

The Company's cash requirements in fiscal 2012 will be primarily to fund its operations, including capital spending, and to service its debt. The Company believes that its cash on hand, cash generated from operations and amounts available under its credit facility will be sufficient to meet its cash requirements for the next twelve months. The Company regularly reviews the availability and terms on which it might issue additional equity or debt securities in the public or private markets. However, the Company cannot assure that additional sources of financing would be available to the Company on commercially favorable terms, should the Company's cash requirements exceed its cash available from operations, existing cash, and cash available under its credit facility.
 
 
27

 
 
Contractual Cash Obligations

The following table presents the Company's future contractual obligations as of October 30, 2011:

   
Payments Due
 
   
 
Total
   
Less
Than
1 Year
   
1 - 3
Years
   
3 - 5
Years
   
More
Than
5 Years
 
                               
Long-term borrowings
  $ 137,054     $ -     $ 22,054     $ 115,000     $ -  
                                         
Operating leases
    21,036       2,324       16,828       1,011       873  
                                         
Capital leases
    19,218       4,043       8,835       6,340       -  
                                         
Unconditional purchase obligations
    18,549       16,806       1,743       -       -  
                                         
Interest
    21,805       5,592       10,717       5,496       -  
                                         
Other noncurrent liabilities
    7,097       -       907       -       6,190  
Total
  $ 224,759     $ 28,765     $ 61,084     $ 127,847     $ 7,063  

As of October 30, 2011, the Company had an outstanding balance of $1.9 million for a loan from a customer which was not included in the above table. The proceeds of the loan were used to purchase manufacturing equipment. This loan is expected to be repaid with product supplied to the customer, typically on a monthly basis, and the Company estimates that the loan will be fully repaid in fiscal 2013.

As of October 30, 2011, the Company had recorded an accrual for uncertain tax positions of $1.9 million which was not included in the above table due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future payments related to such liabilities.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Under the MP Mask joint venture operating agreement, in order to maintain its 49.99% ownership interest, the Company may be required to make additional capital contributions to the joint venture up to the maximum amount defined in the operating agreement. Cumulatively, through October 30, 2011, the Company has contributed $24.4 million to the joint venture, and has received distributions from the joint venture totaling $10.0 million. During fiscal 2011, the Company contributed $18.3 million to MP Mask. The Company received no distributions from MP Mask during fiscal 2011.


The Company leases certain office facilities and equipment under operating leases that may require it to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses related to the properties. Certain of these leases contain renewal or purchase options exercisable at the end of the lease terms. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on these operating leases.

In May 2009 the Company and Micron entered into a new lease agreement for the U.S. nanoFab building and cancelled its prior lease agreement. The new lease, among other changes discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, extended the lease term from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2014. The Company was to continue to account for the lease as a capital lease for the remainder of its original term, and will account for it as an operating lease for the period of the lease extension. Rental payments due during the lease extension period total $13.9 million. In 2011 the Company paid this capital lease obligation in full with a portion of the net proceeds of the March 2011 issuance of its 3.25% convertible senior notes.
 
 
28

 

Business Outlook

A majority of the Company's revenue growth is expected to continue to come from the Asian region as customers increase their use of manufacturing foundries located outside of North America and Europe. Additional revenue growth is also anticipated in North America, as the Company expects to benefit from advanced technology it may utilize under its technology license with Micron. The Company's Korean and Taiwanese operations are non-wholly owned subsidiaries and, therefore, a portion of earnings generated at each location is allocated to the noncontrolling interests.

The Company continues to assess its global manufacturing strategy and monitor its market capitalization, sales volume and related cash flows from operations. This ongoing assessment could result in future facility closures, asset redeployments, additional impairments of intangible or long-lived assets, workforce reductions, or the addition of increased manufacturing facilities, all of which would be based on market conditions and customer requirements.

The Company's future results of operations and the other forward-looking statements contained in this filing involve a number of risks and uncertainties. While various risks and uncertainties have been discussed, a number of other unforeseen factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The Company's consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of accounting policies, which require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The Company believes that the following are some of the more critical judgment areas in the application of the Company's accounting policies that affect its financial condition and results of operations.

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in them. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company's estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time they are made. Changes in accounting estimates used are likely to occur from period to period, which may have a material impact on the presentation of the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Actual results reported by the Company may differ from such estimates. The Company reviews these estimates periodically and reflects the effect of revisions in the period in which they are determined.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair values of the Company's 3.25% and 5.5% convertible senior notes are estimated by management based upon reference to quoted market prices and other available market information. The fair values of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, certain other current assets and current liabilities, and variable rate borrowings approximate their carrying value due to their short-term maturities.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment, except as explained below under "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Repairs and maintenance, as well as renewals and replacements of a routine nature, are charged to operations as incurred, while those that improve or extend the lives of existing assets are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition, the cost of the asset and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.

Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 15 to 40 years, machinery and equipment over 3 to 10 years and furniture, fixtures and office equipment over 3 to 5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is less. Judgment and assumptions are used in establishing estimated useful lives and depreciation periods. The Company also uses judgment and assumptions as it periodically reviews property, plant and equipment for any potential impairment in carrying values whenever events such as a significant industry downturn, plant closures, technological obsolescence or other changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
 
 
29

 

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist primarily of a technology license agreement, a supply agreement and acquisition-related intangibles. These assets, except as explained below, are stated at fair value as of the date acquired less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method or another method that more fairly represents the utilization of the assets.

The Company periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives of its intangible assets to determine whether events or circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. In the event that the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life has changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life. If it is determined that an intangible asset has an indefinite useful life, that intangible asset would be subject to impairment testing annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not, based on future undiscounted cash flows or market factors, be recoverable, and an impairment loss would be recorded in the period so determined. The measurement of the impairment loss would be based on the fair value of the intangible asset.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the Company's judgment and estimates of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the assets. The carrying values of assets determined to be impaired are reduced to their estimated fair values. Fair values of the impaired assets would generally be determined using a market or income approach.

Investments in Joint Ventures

Investments in joint ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence and that, in general, are at least 20 percent owned are accounted for under the equity method. An impairment loss would be recognized whenever a decrease in the value of such an investment below its carrying amount is determined to be other than temporary. In judging "other than temporary," the Company would consider the length of time and the extent to which the fair value of the investment has been less than the carrying amount of the investment, the near-term and longer-term operating and financial prospects of the investee, and the Company's longer-term intent of retaining its investment in the investee.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company accounts for the investments it makes in certain legal entities in which equity investors do not have 1) sufficient equity at risk for the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, 2) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have either the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the legal entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or, 3) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the legal entity. These certain legal entities are referred to as “variable interest entities”, or “VIEs”.

The Company would consolidate the results of any such entity in which it determined that it had a controlling financial interest. The Company would have a “controlling financial interest” in such an entity if the Company had both the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses of, or right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. On a quarterly basis, the Company reassesses whether it has a controlling financial interest in any investments it has in these certain legal entities.

 
30

 
 
Income Taxes

The income tax provision is computed on the basis of the various tax jurisdictions' income or loss before income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the tax effects of net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The Company uses judgment and assumptions to determine if valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets are required, if their realization is not more likely than not, by considering future market growth, forecasted operations, future taxable income, and the amounts of earnings in the tax jurisdictions in which it operates.

The Company considers income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions in which it operates in order to determine its effective income tax rate. Current income tax exposure is identified and temporary differences resulting from differing treatments of items for tax and financial reporting purposes are assessed. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company evaluates the potential realization of deferred income tax assets from future taxable income and establishes valuation allowances if their realization is deemed not more likely than not. Accordingly, income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations are impacted by changes in the valuation allowances. Significant management estimates and judgment are required in determining any valuation allowances recorded against net deferred tax assets.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions by recording a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in its tax returns. The Company includes any applicable interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its income tax provision.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  Delivery is determined by the shipping terms of the individual sales transactions. For sales with FOB destination shipping terms, delivery occurs when the Company’s product reaches its destination and is received by the customer. For sales with FOB shipping point terms, delivery occurs when the Company’s product is received by the common carrier. The Company uses judgment when estimating the effect on revenue of discounts and product warranty obligations, both of which are accrued when the related revenue is recognized.

Warranties and Other Post Shipment Obligations – For a 30-day period, the Company warrants that items sold will conform to customer specifications. However, the Company’s liability is limited to the repair or replacement of the photomasks at its sole option. The Company inspects photomasks for conformity to customer specifications prior to shipment.  Accordingly, customer returns of items under warranty have historically been insignificant.  However, the Company records a liability for the insignificant amount of estimated warranty returns based on historical experience. The Company’s specific return policies include accepting returns of products with defects, or products that have not been produced to precise customer specifications. At the time of revenue recognition, a liability is established for these items.

Share-based Compensation

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718, related to share-based compensation, on October 31, 2005, using the modified prospective method described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment".Subsequently, compensation expense has been recognized in its consolidated statements of operations over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. The Company recognizes expense for all share-based compensation with graded vesting granted on or after October 31, 2005, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the entire award. For awards with graded vesting granted prior to October 31, 2005, the Company recognized compensation cost over the vesting period following accelerated recognition as if each underlying vesting date represented a separate award. Share-based compensation expense includes the estimated effects of forfeitures, which are adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized in the period of change and will also impact the amount of expense to be recognized in future periods. Determining the appropriate option pricing model, calculating the grant date fair value of share-based awards and estimating forfeiture rates requires considerable judgment, including the estimations of stock price volatility and the expected term of options granted.
 
 
31

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value employee stock options. The Company estimates stock price volatility based on daily averages of its historical volatility over a term approximately equal to the estimated time period the grant will remain outstanding. The expected term of options and forfeiture rate assumptions are derived from historical data.

Effect of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 23 of the Company's consolidated financial statements for a summary of recent accounting pronouncements that may affect the Company's financial statements.

ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company records derivatives on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. The Company does not engage in derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives are reported in the consolidated statement of operations, or as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a separate component of equity, depending on the use of the derivatives and whether they qualify for hedge accounting. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, among other criteria, a derivative must be a hedge of an interest rate, price, foreign currency exchange rate, or credit risk that is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the hedge, be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item during the term of the hedge and formally documented at the inception of the hedge. The types of risks that the Company has hedged are those related to the variability of future cash flows caused by movements in foreign currency exchange and interest rates. The Company documents its risk management strategy and hedge effectiveness at the inception of, and during the term of, each hedge.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The Company conducts business in several major international currencies throughout its worldwide operations and its financial performance may be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rates of these currencies. Changes in exchange rates can positively or negatively affect the Company's sales, operating margins, assets, liabilities, and equity. The functional currencies of the Company's Asian subsidiaries are the Korean won, New Taiwan dollar and the Singapore dollar. The functional currencies of the Company's European subsidiaries are the British pound and the euro.

The Company attempts to minimize its risk of foreign currency transaction losses by producing its products in the same country in which the products are sold (thereby generating revenues and incurring expenses in the same currency), and by managing its working capital. In some instances, the Company may sell or purchase products in a currency other than the functional currency of the country where it was produced. There can be no assurance that this approach will continue to be successful, especially in the event of a significant adverse movement in the value of any foreign currency against the U.S. dollar. Prior to 2010, the Company had periodically experienced significant foreign exchange losses on these transactions.

The Company's primary net foreign currency exposures as of October 30, 2011, included the Korean won, the Japanese yen, the Singapore dollar, the New Taiwan dollar, the British pound, and the euro. As of October 30, 2011, a 10% adverse movement in the value of these currencies against the U.S. dollar would have resulted in a net unrealized pre-tax loss of $2.6 million. The Company does not believe that a 10% change in the exchange rates of other non-U.S. dollar currencies would have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Interest Rate Risk

At October 30, 2011, the Company did not have any outstanding variable rate borrowings. A change in interest rates would not have had a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in the year ended October 30, 2011.
 
 
32

 
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     
   
Page
     
 
34
     
 
35
     
 
36
     
 
37
     
 
38
     
 
39
 
 
33

 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Photronics, Inc.
Brookfield, Connecticut

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Photronics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of October 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity and other comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, October 31, 2010 and November 1, 2009.  We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Photronics, Inc. and subsidiaries as of October 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, October 31, 2010 and November 1, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Hartford, Connecticut
January 12, 2012
 
 
34

 
 
 
PHOTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
October 30,
2011
   
October 31,
2010
 
             
ASSETS
           
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 189,928     $ 98,945  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $4,055 in 2011and $4,235 in 2010
    85,540       82,951  
Inventories
    22,100       15,502  
Deferred income taxes
    609       1,173  
Other current assets
    7,030       7,231  
Total current assets
    305,207       205,802  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    368,680       369,814  
Investment in joint venture
    79,984       61,127  
Intangible assets, net
    42,462       47,748  
Deferred income taxes
    11,239       10,132  
Other assets
    10,282       9,256  
Total assets
  $ 817,854     $ 703,879  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term borrowings
  $ 5,583     $ 11,467  
Accounts payable
    54,772       77,630  
Accrued liabilities
    35,546       30,132  
Total current liabilities
    95,901       119,229  
                 
Long-term borrowings
    152,577       78,852  
Deferred income taxes
    737       499  
Other liabilities
    8,883       9,356  
Total liabilities
    258,098       207,936  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 59,651 shares issued and outstanding at October 30, 2011, and 53,779 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2010
    597       538  
Additional paid-in capital
    486,674       436,825  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    13,605       (2,624 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    10,171       7,062  
Total Photronics, Inc. shareholders' equity
    511,047       441,801  
Noncontrolling interests
    48,709       54,142  
Total equity
    559,756       495,943  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 817,854     $ 703,879  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
35

 
 
PHOTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
Year Ended
 
   
October 30,
2011
   
October 31,
2010
   
November 1,
2009
 
                   
Net sales
  $ 512,020     $ 425,554     $ 361,353  
                         
Cost and expenses:
                       
                         
Cost of sales
    (375,806 )     (333,739 )     (304,282 )
                         
Selling, general and administrative
    (45,240 )     (42,387 )     (41,162 )
                         
Research and development
    (15,507 )     (14,932 )     (15,423 )
                         
Consolidation, restructuring and related credits (charges)
    -       4,979       (13,557 )
                         
Impairment of long-lived assets
    -       -       (1,458 )
                         
Gain on sale of facility
    -       -       2,034  
                         
Operating income (loss)
    75,467       39,475       (12,495 )
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
                         
Debt extinguishment loss
    (35,259 )     -       -  
                         
Interest expense
    (7,258 )     (9,475 )     (22,401 )
                         
Investment and other income (expense), net
    2,949       2,553       (2,208 )
                         
Income (loss) before income tax provision
    35,899       32,553       (37,104 )
                         
Income tax provision
    (15,691 )     (7,471 )     (4,323 )
                         
Net income (loss)
    20,208       25,082       (41,427 )
                         
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (3,979 )     (1,160 )     (483 )
                         
Net income (loss) attributable to Photronics, Inc.
  $ 16,229     $ 23,922     $ (41,910 )
                         
Earnings (loss) per share:
                       
                         
Basic
  $ 0.28     $ 0.45     $ (0.97 )
                         
Diluted
  $ 0.28     $ 0.43     $ (0.97 )
                         
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
                       
                         
Basic
    57,030       53,433       43,210  
                         
Diluted
    58,458       65,803       43,210  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
36

 
 
PHOTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years Ended October 30, 2011, October 31, 2010 and November 1, 2009
(in thousands)

   
Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
                   
                           
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
                   
   
Common Stock
   
Add'l
Paid-In
   
Retained
Earnings
Accum -
ulated
   
Unrealized
Investment
Gains
   
Cash
Flow
   
Foreign
Currency
               
Total
Photronics,
   
Non-
Controlling
   
Total
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
(Deficit)
   
(Losses)
   
Hedges
   
Translation
   
Other
   
Total
   
Inc.
   
Interests
   
Equity
 
                                                                         
Balance at November 2, 2008
    41,712     $ 417     $ 384,502     $ 15,364     $ (62   $ (1,652 )   $ (15,520 )   $ (267 )   $ (17,501 )   $ 382,782     $ 49,616     $ 432,398  
                                                                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                                               
Net (loss) income
    -       -       -       (41,910 )     -       -       -       -       -       (41,910 )     483       (41,427 )
Unrealized holding losses reclassification adjustment
    -       -       -       -       62       -       -       -       62       62       39       101  
Amortization of cash flow hedges
    -       -       -       -       -       576       -       -       576       576       -       576  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       -       10,712       -       10,712       10,712       342       11,054  
Other
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (238     (238     (238     (101 )     (339 )
Total comprehensive (loss) income
                                                                            (30,798 )     763       (30,035 )
Subsidiary dividend
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (438 )     (438 )
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plan
    28       -       117       -       -       -       -       -       -       117       -       117  
Restricted stock awards vestings and expense
    121       1       809       -       -       -       -       -       -       810       -       810  
Share-based compensation expense
    -       -       1,326       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,326       -       1,326  
Common stock issued in public offering (net)
    11,084       111       42,986       -       -       -       -       -       -       43,097       -       43,097  
Common stock warrants issued
    -       -       2,081       -       -       -       -       -       -       2,081       -       2,081  
Common stock warrants exercised
    66       1       339       -       -       -       -       -       -       340       -       340  
Balance at November 1, 2009
    53,011       530       432,160       (26,546     -       (1,076 )     (4,808 )     (505 )     (6,389 )     399,755       49,941       449,696